A SECTION of the A37 near Chelwood was closed after a three-vehicle collision saw an oil tanker spill cause extensive damage to the road surface.

The incident happened shortly after 8am on Thursday, September 25, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

Police closed the road in both directions as fire crews and highways officers worked to clear the oil spill and make the area safe.

Diversion routes were quickly put in place to keep traffic moving, though delays were reported throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

Three people sustained minor injuries in the collision. Paramedics attended the scene to assess the casualties but none of those involved required hospital treatment.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the Gazette: “We handed the scene over to the council yesterday afternoon [September 25].”

Bath and North East Somerset Council confirmed that the road was shut between the A368 Chelwood roundabout and the turn-off for Birchwood Lane to allow emergency repairs to be carried out. Motorists were advised to follow official diversions and plan alternative routes until further notice.

The incident caused disruption for commuters and Chew Valley residents for several days, with traffic being redirected through surrounding villages. Council teams worked with contractors to assess the scale of the damage, which was described as significant due to the quantity of oil on the carriageway.

The A37 reopened on Saturday after urgent resurfacing works were completed. The council said the repairs involved removing the damaged surface, cleaning the affected area thoroughly, and laying fresh tarmac to ensure the road was safe for motorists.

A council spokesperson said its Highways teams “responded quickly”, adding that their swift action helped minimise disruption, allowing the busy route to be reopened as soon as it was safe to do so.